Murin-an

Murin-an is a vacation house constructed by Yamagata Aritomo in 1894-1896. The location in which Murin-an was built is a really quiet place, hence naming it Murin-an, meaning 'calm' in Japanese. Murin-an consists of a two-story omoya (main room), a tea house, and a western style house. Yamagata Aritomo really loved Murin-an, and he and his wife visited this vacation house many times even when they were busy.

Most of Murin-an consists of a garden and is about 3,135 m2 in area. The garden was designed by Yamagata Aritomo and constructed by Ogawa Jihei. The garden has 3 layers: The fall, the pond, and the lawn. This large garden is quiet and you may be able to relax and calm your mind for a moment here.

2Highlight

View from the Second Floor of the Omoya

The tea house and the 2nd-floor of the main building can be rented from 9am - 5pm for cultural events such as tea ceremonies, flower arrangements, lectures, or exhibitions for an extra charge. A tea pot can be rented free of charge. Please enjoy the beautiful garden from the second floor of the omoya, while drinking some hot tea. (You have to make the tea yourself and tea leaves are not sold on site). Please check the website for more information about rental of the tea house and the 2nd-floor of the main building. (http://murin-an.jp/en/info/rental/)

3Good Experiences

Exhibit Room

The first floor is an exhibit room where you can learn about Yamagata Aritomo who constructed Murin-an, and Ogawa Jihei who built the garden. Contents of the exhibitions depend on the season.

Manner & Tips

- Manner & Tips -

It is prohibited to take photos with a tripod. Please refrain from speaking in loud voices, as Murinan keeps a very quiet atmosphere.

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Price

Overseas Tourist-Friendly

Shiho

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This is a really well hidden spot, so those of you who like zen gardens should definitely visit! You have to open a small door to get to the garden, but you are sure to be overwhelmed by the magnificence of what you are going to see. Not so many people go to this garden so you should be able to enjoy it at your leisure.